Retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye. It occurs in infants that are born too early (premature).

Causes

The blood vessels of the retina begin to develop about 3 months into pregnancy. They complete development at the time of normal birth. The eyes may not develop properly if a baby is born very early. The vessels may stop growing or grow abnormally from the retina into the back of the eye. The vessels are fragile. They can leak and cause bleeding in the eye.

Scar tissue may develop and pull the retina loose from the inner surface of the eye. In severe cases, this can result in vision loss.

In the past, the use of too much oxygen in treating premature babies caused vessels to grow abnormally. Better methods are now available for monitoring oxygen, so this problem is rare.

Today, the risk of developing ROP depends on the degree of prematurity. Smaller babies with more medical problems are at higher risk.

Almost all babies who are born before 30 weeks or weigh fewer than 3 pounds at birth are screened for the condition. Some high-risk babies who weigh 3 - 4.5 pounds or who are born after 30 weeks should also be screened.

In addition to prematurity, other risks factors may include:

Brief stop in breathing (apnea)

Heart disease

High carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood

Infection

Low blood acidity (pH)

Low blood oxygen

Respiratory distress

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Transfusions

The rate of ROP in most premature infants has gone down greatly due to better care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, more babies born very early are now able to survive.

Since these very premature infants are at the highest risk for ROP, the problem is being seen more often.

Symptoms

There are five stages of ROP.

Stage I: There is mildly abnormal blood vessel growth.

Stage II: Blood vessel growth is moderately abnormal.

Stage III: Blood vessel growth is severely abnormal.

Stage IV: Blood vessel growth is severely abnormal and there is a partially detached retina.

Stage V: There is a total retinal detachment.

The blood vessel changes cannot be seen with the naked eye. An eye exam is needed to reveal such problems.

An infant with ROP may be classified as having "plus disease" if the abnormal blood vessels matches pictures used to diagnose the condition.

Symptoms of severe ROP include:

Abnormal eye movements

Crossed eyes

Severe nearsightedness

White-looking pupils (leukocoria)

Exams and Tests

Babies that are born before 30 weeks, weigh less than 3 lbs at birth, or are high risk for other reasons should have retinal exams.

The first exam usually should be 4 - 9 weeks after birth, depending on the baby’s gestational age.

Babies born at 27 weeks or later usually have their exam at 4 weeks of age.

Those born earlier usually have exams later.

Follow-up exams are based on the results of the first exam. Babies do not need another exam if the blood vessels in both retinas have completed normal development.

Parents should know what follow-up eye exams are needed before the baby leaves the nursery.

Treatment

Early treatment has been shown to improve a baby’s chances for normal vision. Treatment should start within 72 hours of the eye exam.

Some babies with "plus disease" need immediate treatment.

Laser therapy (photocoagulation) or cryotherapy (freezing) may be used to prevent complications of advanced ROP.

The laser stops the abnormal blood vessels from growing.

The treatment can be done in the nursery using portable equipment. To work well, it must be done before the retina develops scarring or detaches from the rest of the eye.

Surgery is needed if the retina detaches. Surgery does not always result in good vision.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most infants with severe vision loss related to ROP have other problems related to early birth. They will need many different treatments.

About 1 out of 10 infants with early changes will develop more severe retinal disease. Severe ROP may lead to major vision problems or blindness. The key factor in the outcome is early detection and treatment.

Possible Complications

Complications may include severe nearsightedness and blindness.

Prevention

The best way to prevent this condition is to take steps to avoid premature birth. Preventing other problems of prematurity may also help prevent ROP.

Alternative Names

Retrolental fibroplasia; ROP

References

Section on Ophthalmology American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Screening examination of premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity. Pediatrics. 2006 Feb;117(2):572-6.

International Committee for the Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity revisited. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jul;123(7):991-9.

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